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How To Get Started With Indoor Composting

Just because you do not have a garage or a backyard does not mean you cannot get started with composting! There are plenty of indoor composting methods that are efficient, odorless, and will not detract from your household decor. If you are planning on trying your hand at this form of composting, there are a few things you should know.

Worm Composting

One of the most popular types of indoor composting is vermicomposting, also known as worm composting. With worm composting you will use live red worms to facilitate the decomposition process. While the initial reaction may be the feeling of disgust at the thought of introducing worms into your house, you need not have to worry that much! The worms will usually be self-contained in your composting bin and won’t go crawling everywhere. While you can build your own worm composting bin, you may have the best luck purchasing a bin that is specifically designed to hold the crawly creatures.

Bokashi Composting

An alternative to worm composting is bokashi composting. Bokashi is a Japanese word meaning “fermented organic matter”. When you use the bokashi method you will need to add a special microbial inoculant bran which will facilitate the decomposition of your scraps. You will usually start by layering the material in the container with your scraps, tightly secure the lid on the container and set it aside for 10 – 12 days. When using this method you will need to drain the excess liquid from the container at least every other day. Many store-bought bokashi bins come with a spigot for this purpose. The resulting tea is high in nutrients and is an excellent supplement to house plants or gardens.

Things To Remember

Whether you decide to build your own composting bin or purchase one, you will need to determine how much you want to compost and how big you want your bin to be. Most store-bought containers do an excellent job with containing odors through the use of carbon or charcoal filters, so if you do make your own bin you will need to consider how you will keep unpleasant smells at bay. Another thing to realize with all indoor composting bins is that they are designed solely for kitchen waste, not yard waste. This is hardly a consideration for most people, since many who are interested in indoor composting don’t have a yard at all, but it is a point to keep in mind.

Indoor composting is much easier than most people realize. With the right container and your choice of method, you can successfully turn your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost. Keep your composting bin in a closet, under the sink, or on a shelf. It is easy, odorless, and the perfect way for apartment or urban dwellers to do their part in being environmentally friendly.